Local non-profits can golf with the pros -- and win money for it

Area non-profits are encouraged to enter for their chance to win in a contest that awards at least $4,500 and, depending on their golf skills, more than $50,000.

The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, or Dow GLBI, is once again hosting #TeamUp for the Great Lakes Bay Region, the second annual charitable golf event that pairs local non-profits with professional golfers from the LPGA.

Launched in 2019, the Dow GLBI is an official LPGA Tour event that is held at the Midland Country Club for one week each year. The event features professional league play but also food festivals, youth-related programming, charitable events, and more.

"Last year, just over $200,000 went back to local charities through this program," says Chris Chandler, Dow GLBI executive director.

"That’s in addition to some $300,000 in other charitable programs through the tournament. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners, these numbers are growing for 2020."

This year’s donation pool totals $233,500 in available funds for 33 non-profit organizations from throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. In order to qualify, the applying organization must work in one of four fields as identified by the Dow GLBI, with those being STEM, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.

There is a March 18 deadline.

For the event itself, #TeamUp for the Great Lakes Bay Region pairs non-profit organizations with teams of professional LPGA golfers. The teams then compete in a golf tournament that awards up to $20,000, depending on their place in the tournament. Other awards include a $3,000 "closest to the pin" award and a $5,000 "most engaged nonprofit" award, among others.

"The feedback from LPGA professionals during last year’s tournament was excellent," says Chandler.

"The best golfers in the world get the opportunity to learn more about the Great Lakes Bay Region and the issues affecting our communities. Their nonprofit teammates become instant fans, cheering them on throughout the event.

"There’s really no other charity program like this in professional golf."